6/7.13 V O L U M E 1 9, I S S U E 6 J U N E / J U L Y

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1 6/7.13 St. V O L U M E 1 9, I S S U E 6 J U N E / J U L Y George Greek Orthodox Church St. Paul, Minnesota Orthodox Christian Ethics Divorce in this issue Regis tr y P.3 Paris h News P.4-5 St. G e org e Yout h P.6-7 The Orthodox Christian, in traditional view, canonical regulations on divorce and remarriage are based on two presuppositions. 1) Marriage is a sacrament conferred upon the partners in the Body of the Church through the priest s blessing. As any sacrament, marriage pertains to the eternal life in the Kingdom of God and therefore, is not dissolved by the death of one partner. An eternal bond is created between them it is given to them (Matthew 19:11). 2) As sacrament, marriage is not a magical act, but a gift of grace. The partners, being humans, may have made a mistake in soliciting the grace of marriage when they were not ready for it; or they may prove to be unable to make this grace grow to maturity. In those cases, the Church may admit the fact that the grace was not received, tolerate separation and allow remarriage. But, of course, she never encourages any remarriage we have seen that even in the case of widowers because of the eternal character of the marriage bond; but only tolerates it when, in concrete cases, it appears as the best solution for a given individual. The indissolubility of marriage does not imply the total suppression of human freedom. Freedom implies the possibility of sin, as well as its consequences. Ultimately, sin can destroy marriage. The Church, therefore, neither recognized divorce, nor gave it. Divorce was considered as a grave sin; but the Church never failed in giving to sinners a new chance, and was ready to readmit them if they repented. Of course, in each particular case pastoral counseling and investigation should make sure that reconciliation is impossible; and the permission to remarry should entail at least some forms of penance (in conformity with each individual case) and give the right to a Church blessing according to the rite of second marriage. (Marriage: An Orthodox Perspective by John Meyendorff, St. Vladimirs Seminary Press, 1975) According to Orthodox teaching, one of the essential characteristics of marriage is its indissolubility. Consequently, a legitimate marriage is dissolved only through death, or through an event which revokes the ecclesiastical significance of marriage, refutes its religious and moral foundation, and is in other words religious or moral death. Divorce caused by religious or moral death occurs by itself when the basis of marriage ceases to function and the purpose of the marital bond is therefore frustrated. In such an instance, it is not the competent authority which dissolves the marriage. Rather, this authority only formally certifies that the legitimate marriage has lost its basis and has dissolved itself. (Orthodox Canon Law manual by Dr. Lewis Pat- (Continued on page 2)

2 (Continued from page 1) savos, p.135) Marriage is one of the sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians who marry must marry in the Church in order to be in sacramental communion with the Church. According to the Church canons, an Orthodox who marries outside the Church may not receive Holy Communion and may not serve as a sponsor, i.e. a Godparent at a Baptism, or as a sponsor at a Wedding. The church gives one marriage, but will make the exception and tolerate up to a third marriage for any Orthodox Christian. The Church grants "ecclesiastical divorces" on the basis of the exception given by Christ to his general prohibition of the practice. The Church has frequently deplored the rise of divorce and generally sees divorce as a tragic failure. Yet, the Orthodox Church also recognizes that sometimes the spiritual well-being of Christians caught in a broken and essentially nonexistent marriage justifies a divorce, with the right of one or both of the partners to remarry. Each parish priest is required to do all he can to help couples resolve their differences. If they cannot, and they obtain a civil divorce, they may apply for an ecclesiastical divorce in some jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church. In others, the judgment is left to the parish priest when and if a civilly divorced person seeks to remarry. Those Orthodox jurisdictions that issue ecclesiastical divorces require a thorough evaluation of the situation, and the appearance of the civilly divorced couple before a local ecclesiastical court, where another investigation is made. Only after an ecclesiastical divorce is issued by the presiding bishop, can they apply for an ecclesiastical license to remarry. articles/article7101.asp To petition for Ecclesiastical Divorce and attend the Spiritual Court should be considered as an extension of the Sacrament of Holy Confession. Its purpose is neither to justify nor condemn anyone, but rather to facilitate the process of healing and reconciliation to the Body of Christ. This is a pastoral and healing ministry, rather than a legalistic formality. (Procedures of Metropolis of Chicago, September 2004) The parish priest must exert every effort to reconcile the couple and avert a divorce. However, should he fail to bring about reconciliation, after a civil divorce has been obtained, he will transmit the petition of the party seeking the ecclesiastical divorce, together with the decree of the civil divorce, to the Spiritual Court of the Diocese. The petition must include the names and surnames of the husband and wife, the wife's surname prior to marriage, their addresses, the name of the priest who performed the wedding, and the date and place of the wedding. The petitioner must be a member in good standing with the parish through which he or she is petitioning for divorce. Orthodox Christians of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese who have obtained a civil divorce but not an eccle siastical divorce may not participate in any sacra ments of the Church or serve on the Parish Council, Diocesan Council or Archdiocesan Council until they have been granted a divorce by the Church. pastoral/instructions.asp The marriage relationship between husband and wife is most sacred. However, human sin, affecting one or both spouses, can cause discord and conflict. The best time to seek help is at the first inkling of a problem before it degrades the relationship beyond repair. If however, the husband and wife cannot be reconciled, and a civil divorce is obtained, then the Orthodox Christian spouse can petition for an ecclesiastical (church) divorce. The entire process follows below: 1) Meeting with priest to discuss what caused the marriage to fall apart. 2) Priest contacts other spouse to discuss what caused the marriage to fall apart. 3) If there is no possibility of reconciliation at this point, the priest will need a petition to proceed. 4) Petition will include: A) Petition From- name, address, phone number of both spouses; date and location of wedding; reasons why marriage ended; signature of petitioner. B) Ecclesiastical Marriage Certificate (original)- or an official transcript from local church where (Continued on page 6) page 2

3 St. Paul. MN Registry Births May 4, 2013 Baptisms May 11, 2013 Memorials May 19, 2013 Mariana, daughter of Shawn & Aleka Powell Demetrios, son of Brandon and Anne Sherod. Godparents are Stephen Kanavati and Katina Hatjistilianos. Mr. George Hatzistamoulous (6 months) Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours (Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri.) 8:00 AM 2:15 PM (Tues.) Noon 6 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Administrative Assistant (651) office@stgeorgegoc.org Tom Lampros, Parish Council President (651) tlampros@hotmail.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $75.00 per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. To donate an icon, fill out a form (found on the bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office. Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Stella Hofrenning, Greek School Director Jennifer Argeros, Glad Tidings Editor Andrea Faches & Eric Chadwick, Loaves and Fishes Coordinators afaches@msn.com Submissions for upcoming issues are due by the 11th of the preceding month. Prophet Abraham Creation of Animal Kingdom page 3

4 Parish News Congratulations Graduates! Our 2013 high school graduates are Amanda Kapetanakis, Alexandra Selliris, Matthew Simon, Paul Smith, Keegan Tountas, and Maria Valek; 2013 college graduates are: Alex Boosalis and Alex Moran. Please see the insert for details. Volunteer Locally for IOCC International Orthodox Christian Charities is recruiting volunteers for one week of home building in Minneapolis the weeks of June and July 7-13; and in Minot, ND June Cost is free for Mpls build and Minot is $550. This is an excellent opportunity to help those affected by recent floods and storms. If interested contact IOCC or register online at Greek Festival Save the Date! This year`s festival will be held on August 18 and 19. Please plan your calendar around these dates. We will need lots of helpers that weekend, and the week leading up to it! More information on how you can help will be coming soon. FOCUS Thank you A big thanks to all that have supported the FOCUS mission this past year and to all those who came to this year s fundraiser dinner. All this effort goes to helping those less fortunate and living God`s message to us to love our neighbor. Please keep the food shelf in mind when shopping, donations are needed. Roselawn Cemetery Price Increase Effective April 1, 2013, both the newly donated inventory of cemetery lots, and any remaining from the old inventory will be priced as such: Monument $5,270, Marker $2,890, Single Marker $1,615. These prices reflect a 15% discount from Roselawn Cemetery s 2013 published prices. Thanks from MEOCCA Thank you to all the generous donors who contributed to our brotherhood during the Sunday Lenten Vespers services. Your support helps us carry out our cooperative efforts to further catechism, missions, benevolence, education and other ministries. Thanks also to our host churches and the meals they provided to guest worshippers! Stewardship 2013 Update 103 pledge cards have been received for a total of $127,881. That is 56% of our stewardship budget and 39% of our total budget. Remember if every parishioner gives an average of 2% ($1.50/day) or more of gross income, we will be a self-supporting parish. Please consider your commitment for year Festival of Nations (FON) Update The FON was held on Easter weekend at the River Center in St. Paul and our parish representation for Greek Culture (food, dance and bazaar) was outstanding as usual. Thank you to all the volunteers and paid staff that made it happen. $25,480 was the Greek Café (food booth) revenue and net income is projected at over $10,000 but final costs are still being calculated. It s unfortunate FON was on Easter because it forced us to make changes to minimize parishioner conflict with services and family Pascha events. For example: no cultural exhibit, no broad announcements for volunteers, minimized food menu, reduced hours at the bazaar, and extensive use of paid labor. In addition to those changes the Thursday snow storm cancelled school field trips and decreased attendance, but the bad weather on Saturday increase attendance, a musical concert added on Friday night increased evening sales. It s unclear how Sunday s Wild Playoff game affected sales but it clearly challenged and delayed drive out logistics. The 2014 event should be back to normal and planning should start shortly after the Greek Festival. Jean Pliakas s leadership is still immensely missed but she offered much advice long distance and her detailed notes from past years were invaluable. Finally, support from Gardens of Salonica, YaYaB's, Gyropolis, Dino s Gyros and Bill's Imports was much appreciated. Philoptochos Update Thank you to everyone for the contributions on Sunday, March 17 for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), and for the contributions on Sunday, April 7 for the Hellenic College/Holy Cross (HC/HC). The June get-together is still in the page 4

5 St. Paul. MN works. Please advise President, Reva Adkins of any decades birthdays. Happy Summertime! Daughters of Penelope News Thank you to the dedicated workers and the generous diners for the support of the Springtime Loukoumades fundraiser. The entire $400 from sales was used for worthy causes such as: District and national scholarships, FO- CUS Minnesota, and Greek relief. The AHEPA Night Out will be held at Gyropolis in Bloomington at 7 pm on Thursday, June 20. Thank you to you everyone who made Holy Week and Pascha 2013 most special. Countless people volunteered their time and effort through cleaning and decorating, chanting and singing, teaching and leading the youth, cooking and serving, donating money, among many other things. We appreciate your efforts to make radiant the vesture of our parish temple and the souls within it, in order to enter the bridal chamber of Christ. May God bless you always! Holy Week & Pascha 2013 page 5

6 (Continued from page 2) Graduation Sunday wedding took place. C) Civil Divorce Decree (full copy of all pages) D) Fee- $200 money order or certified check payable to "Metropolis of Chicago". 5) Sacrament of Confession for petitioner(s). 6) Spiritual Court Hearing (both spouses will be notified). 7) Spiritual Court submits all documents with recommendation to local Hierarch for final decision. 8) Ecclesiastical Divorce Decree (if issued) delivered to petitioner. Sometimes a petitioner may feel quite justified in seeking an ecclesiastical divorce to the point where they do not see any fault of their own in the breakdown of the marriage. The process of a church divorce is meant to uncover, name and heal any brokenness, both small and great, within the heart, mind and soul of the petitioner(s). This will enable them to move forward with peace, grace and maturity to continue their life following Christ in His Holy Church and, God-willing, enter into a subsequent marriage. Compiled by: +Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews Sunday School participants were recognized for a successful year at Graduation Sunday, on May 19th. Andrea Faches was recognized for her work as Sunday School Director. Andrea is resigning from her position, and we thank her for contributions to our parish. My Beloved Fellow Parishioners of St. George, It has been my honor and privilege to serve our parish community as Sunday School Director for the past 9 years. I thank you for the opportunity to work with your children. Religious education for our children and families is of utmost importance to me. As I reflect upon my participation, I find great joy in my heart. We are blessed with truly beautiful, young people. I want each of you to know that I am so grateful for having been blessed in serving our community. Our children are our greatest treasure and I pray that you continue to strive to educate them in our faith and keep them positive in their participation at St. George. It is my fervent prayer that our children be involved in every aspect of our church life. Under your guidance, your children will flourish and learn to love their faith. Please remain steadfast in your commitment to educating and participating in our church life. Please feel free to contact me if you have special needs regarding the religious education of our youth. Though I feel it is time to pass the baton of leading the Sunday School, I remain steadfast in my commitment to our children and will always be available to help you in encouraging, involving and educating our children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless each of you, Andrea Faches page 6

7 St. Paul. MN Metropolis Oratorical Festival Bill Chadwick took third place in the Junior Division at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival in Racine, Wisconsin on May 11 th. Congratulations!! St. George Youth Lenten Retreat 2013 St. George youth prepare for Pascha with learning activities, crafts and helping to clean and prepare St. George at the Lenten Retreat. page 7

8 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 177 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota Phone Fax Glad Tidings June July 2013 WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Apodosis of Pascha Divine Liturgy Wednesday, June 12, 8:00am Vespers Wednesday, June 12, 6:00pm Ascension of Our Lord Orthos Wednesday, June 13, 8:00am Divine Liturgy Wednesday, June 13, 9:00am Nativity of the Forerunner Divine Liturgy Monday, June 24, 9:00am Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: (Sept. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm Orthros: Sunday 8:15 am Sunday School: (Sept. - May) following Communion Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am

9 June 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 +5TH SUN. PASCHA - SAMARITAN WOMAN *12:00pm Grand Old Day- Youth Parking Event TH SUN. PASCHA +APOSTLE +APODOSIS OF +ASCENSION OF - BLINDMAN BARTHOLOMEW/ PASCHA OUR LORD NATHANIEL- Patriarch's +STS. +8:00am ORTHROS Nameday ONOUPHRIOS & +9:00am LITURGY PETER OF ATHOS *12:00pm Acolyte Training +8:00am LITURGY *5:00pm Loaves *7:00pm Parish *4:00pm Feed & Fishes at Faith Council the Hungry at Lutheran Church FOCUS, MN +6:00pm VESPERS Father's Day 7TH SUN. PASCHA - HOLY FATHERS +APOSTLE THADDEUS/JUDE & ST. PAISIOS *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN *7:00pm Bible Study at Fr. Rick's House PENTECOST +NATIVITY OF +STS. PETER FORERUNNER & PAUL +HOLY SPIRIT DAY +Kneeling Prayers +9:00am Liturgy +9:00am LITURGY in Eau Claire, WI *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN + NO FASTING+ SUMMER CHURCH CAMP 30 +ALL SAINTS - 1ST SUN. MATT. +HOLY APOSTLES SUMMER CHURCH CAMP St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

10 July 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ST. JOHN INDEPENDENCE (MAXIMOVITCH) DAY- Office OF SHANGAI Closed +ST. ATHANASIOS OF MT. ATHOS + SUMMERCHURCH CAMP + +2ND SUN. MATTHEW +ST. KYRIAKI *7:00pm Parish Council +HOLY FATHERS OF 4TH SYNOD *12:00pm Acolyte Training *12:00pm Parish Council Retreat ST. MARINA +ST. MACRINA +PROPHET ELIAS/ELIJAH *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN *7:00pm Bible Study at Fr. Rick's House +4TH SUN. MATTHEW *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN ST. MARY MAGDALENE & ST. MARKELLA +RIGHTEOUS HANNAH +ST. CHRISTINA +DORMITION OF ST. ANNA +STS. PARASKEVE & HERMOLAOS +ST. PANTELIEMON +5TH SUN. MATTHEW *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN Coming in August Fast of Theotokos 6 Transfiguration of our Lord 12 Loaves & Fishes 15 Dormition of Theotokos Greek Festival 24 Liturgy in Eau Claire, Wisc. 29 Beheading of Forerunner ***strict fast day St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

11 June 10-14, 2013 St Mary s GOC VCS COME ABOARD ST MARY S VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL! Daily 9:00 am-noon Preschool: potty trained 3 year olds through children entering Kindergarten Psarakia Elementary: children entering 1st grade through 5th grade Crew: youth entering 6th grade through 12th grade and up Sneak preview!! More information to come! Our spiritual journey begins when you arrive in the Port of Piraeus and travel to the main Agora of Athens, Greece (meeting place in the Terrace room). The groups Antioch, Thessaloniki, Ephesus, Corinth, and Psarakia become acquainted with each other as we begin our journey! The adventure starts as we learn and celebrate our Greek Orthodox religion through varied daily activities under the atmosphere of the big tent in our ancient Agora (for real!). The tent in the Agora will be our meeting place all weekday long under the leadership of our priests, coordinators and VCS crew. VCS youth will learn fellowship and love of our church by immersing themselves into week long theme related crafts, relevant learning activities, music, games and outdoor activities. Snacks and great food (BBQ plus more!) will be provided throughout the week. Our journey will occur in parts of the church where you have never been to before...no regular classrooms here! It s a voyage from place to place with new and old friends coming together within our St Mary s church community. Come aboard and register as a participant or crew member for St Mary s GOC Vacation Church School this June... It s waiting for you!! Registration Fee: $0.00 All expenses paid by St Mary s GOC youth budget

12 Amanda Kapetanakis Graduates with High Honors from East Ridge High School in Woodbury. Amanda will attend Century College this Fall and is planning to study to be an Orthodontist Alexandria Selliris Graduating from Hudson High School in Hudson, WI. Ally will be attending Iowa State University with the goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. Alexander Boosalis St. John s University, Collegeville, MN Bachelor of Arts Degree, will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Alex was also on the St. John s Wrestling Team. Alex graduated in the top 1/3 of the ROTC program nationwide. He will Initially be stationed in Ft. Benning Georgia, attending Officer Leadership Training. Paul Smith Graduating from Edina High School Paul will be attending the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in the Fall. Alexander Patrick-David Moran Matthew Simon Graduating from Burnsville High School, Matthew lettered in Varsity Football, Chess, and set school Olympic weight lifting records. He will attend Augsburg College in Minneapolis, pursuing Finance and Program Performing Arts. Keegan Tountas Graduating from Mounds View High School with Honors. Keegan is in National Honor Society, Varsity Football and Track. He refereed for the Mounds View Basketball Association. Keegan will be attend the University of Minnesota this fall. Major: Biology/Pre-Med track. University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Graduating May 18 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Business Management. Alex will be moving back to the Twin Cities and attending William Mitchell School in the Fall of 2013.